The Best Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Tampa (That Won’t Make You Lose Your Mind)

Summer in Tampa can be magical… and also hot, chaotic, and a tiny bit overwhelming when you’re trying to entertain little humans all day. As a local mom and photographer, I’ve tried a lot of things to keep my toddler from turning my house into a WWE ring. So if you’re looking for kid-friendly activities in Tampa this summer, here are some tried-and-true favorites — both indoor (hello, air conditioning) and outdoor (for the brave souls among us).

1. Glazer Children’s Museum – Tampa

If you haven’t been here yet, prepare to become a regular. With water play zones, pretend city areas, building blocks, and endless hands-on exhibits, this place is a kid’s paradise and a mom’s break (kind of). It’s air-conditioned, stroller-friendly, and totally engaging for kids from toddlers to about age 10.

📍 Downtown Tampa | 💸 Budget-friendly memberships available

2. ZooTampa at Lowry Park – Tampa

We love ZooTampa! It’s shady (praise be), interactive, and there’s even a splash pad area near the manatee exhibit. It’s clean, stroller accessible, and you can easily spend half a day without feeling totally wiped. Bonus: their summer events usually include after-hours fun and themed weekends.

📍 Seminole Heights | 🦁 Don’t miss the water ride and petting zoo!

3. Busch Gardens & Adventure Island – Tampa

If your kids are a bit older or you’re just that mom who’s down for a rollercoaster in 90-degree weather, Busch Gardens is a classic. Adventure Island (right across the street) is perfect for cooling off — with splash zones, lazy rivers, and kid-safe water play areas.

🎢 Pro Tip: Florida resident passes are a steal if you plan to go more than once.

4. The Florida Aquarium – Tampa Channelside

Air-conditioned. Dark. Full of fish. Need I say more? The Aquarium is surprisingly toddler-friendly with a splash pad, jellyfish tunnel, and just enough sea life to keep their attention without overloading them (or you).

🐠 Mom tip: Bring water shoes and a change of clothes for the splash pad area!

5. Curtis Hixon Park + Riverwalk – Downtown Tampa

If you’re downtown, hit up the splash pad at Curtis Hixon Park and let the kids run wild while you grab a coffee nearby. You can also walk along the Riverwalk and hit up Armature Works for snacks or lunch. It’s a stroller-friendly, mom-socializing-friendly kind of vibe.

☀️ Perfect for early mornings before it gets surface-of-the-sun hot.

6. Great Explorations Children’s Museum – St. Pete

This one’s worth the drive if you’re on the Tampa side! Less crowded than Glazer, super hands-on, and loaded with imaginative play areas. My son loves it — and honestly, so do I.

🚗 Pair it with a beach stop or coffee run to make a full day out of it.

7. Indoor Playgrounds + Trampoline Parks – Various Locations

• We Rock the Spectrum – Sensory-friendly gym great for all ages and abilities

• Sky Zone or Altitude Trampoline Park – For bigger kids who need to bounce out the chaos

• Chuck E. Cheese or Urban Air – If you’re brave and caffeine-fueled

These are great backup plans for rainy days or when the Florida sun is doing too much.

8. Your Backyard + A Kiddie Pool + A Popsicle

Because let’s be honest — some days you just can’t. So let them run wild in the hose, fill a bin with water and bath toys, and call it a “water park.” Bonus points if you sit in a camping chair with a cold drink and pretend you’re at the beach.

A Few More Local Summer Ideas:

✔️ Library story times (with A/C and Wi-Fi!)✔️ Local splash pads: Ballast Point, Carrollwood Village, Water Works Park✔️ Mini golf at Celebration Station or Congo River Golf✔️ Ice cream field trips (Strachan's, Revolution, Chill Bros... go wild)✔️ Farmer’s markets with music + kid zones

Want to Remember This Summer?

Whether your kids are covered in sunscreen, jumping through sprinklers, or snuggling up after a big zoo day — these are the moments that pass by fast. Book a summer family session with me and let’s capture the chaos, the cuddles, and the sweet spots in between.

📸 Click here to book your session or send me a message — I’d love to hear what summer looks like for your family!